depression – WebProNewshttp://www.webpronews.com
Breaking News in Tech, Search, Social, & BusinessThu, 08 Dec 2016 17:45:16 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1Depression In Parents Linked To Picky Kidshttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-in-parents-linked-to-picky-kids-2016-02/
Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:53:19 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=455208Depression in parents could result in having fussy eaters, according to a new study by researchers in the Netherlands. As if parents need another reason to feel guilty, researchers studied the link between depression of parents in pregnancy and early ... Read More

]]>Depression in parents could result in having fussy eaters, according to a new study by researchers in the Netherlands.

As if parents need another reason to feel guilty, researchers studied the link between depression of parents in pregnancy and early childhood with surprising results.

Lead author of the study, Lisanne de Barse of Erasmus MC-University Medical Center in Rotterdam, said of the reason for the study, "Fussy eating can really be a problem for the families. Dinners can become very difficult. There is also some evidence that when a child continues to be a fussy eater there can continue to be additional health problems."

Of course, most families have at least one picky eater, but now we know it could be your fault if you struggled with depression.

The study followed pregnant women living in Rotterdam who delivered their child between April 2002 and January 2006. Then, the parents filled out a series of questionnaires before birth and when their child was three years old about their levels of anxiety and depression. The study included not only the clinically depressed, but also those with only elevated anxiety.

Lisanne de Barse added, "It's not clear what influences fussy eating. What we knew is that there was a relationship between mothers' anxiety and depression during the child's life and their children's fussy eating."

In summary, the study found a credible link between a mother's anxiety levels and depression during and after pregnancy, as well as the father's levels in early childhood, and picky eating kids.

What do you think about this study connecting depression and picky eating?

]]>Sarah Silverman: "I Smile Back" Required Trip Back Into Childhood of Depression, Abusehttp://www.webpronews.com/sarah-silverman-i-smile-back-required-trip-back-into-childhood-of-depression-abuse-2015-10/
Sat, 24 Oct 2015 15:41:07 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=445262Sarah Silverman stars as Laney in the new film I Smile Back that opened nationwide on Friday. Known for her stand-up comedy, she admits it's often hard to convince a director she can play a role. This one was a ... Read More

]]>Sarah Silverman stars as Laney in the new film I Smile Back that opened nationwide on Friday. Known for her stand-up comedy, she admits it's often hard to convince a director she can play a role. This one was a perfect fit. Looking back into her childhood of depression and abuse, Sarah Silverman discovered she had a lot in common with Laney.

Laney is a suburban mother who is put together on the outside but falling apart from within. Addled with a past that includes addiction, depression, and adultery, she begins a slow unraveling that isn't completely foreign to Sarah Silverman.

Silverman was depressed as a child. Growing up in New Hampshire, she was depressed. By age 14, she took Xanax four times a day.

"I was kind of numb, I guess," she said in a recent interview with the L.A. Times. "It didn't fix me in any way."

Silverman shared how one of her psychiatrists hanged himself and that she was informed of his death by a hypnotist her parents hired to curb her bed-wetting. She admits she drew on these complexities to play the role of Laney, and that this is among the deeper roles she has ever played.

"I don't have easy access to my emotions," she admitted. "They're very tightly packed and compartmentalized. But for this part, they had to be on the surface. A really big director I admire told me once, 'You're really good, but I'll never cast you in anything because you're Sarah Silverman. People are too familiar with you. You're like a personality. I need actors that people can get lost in.' I couldn't argue with him [she fake pouts] other than give me a chance."

Adam Salky is the director of I Smile Back. He watched her play an overbearing girlfriend in School of Rock as well as an alcoholic in Take This Waltz. He knew Sarah Silverman had the instincts of a woman in turmoil from reading her autobiography, The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption and Pee.

"Sarah has a pool of emotional and intellectual depth," he said. "You put the camera on her and let it run."

Even if you're not a fan of Sarah Silverman's comedy--it's laced with four-letter words and can be quite dark and raunchy--don't count her out for a deep, serious role in I Smile Back.

]]>Cara Delevingne Talks Battle With Depression She's Waged Since Age 15http://www.webpronews.com/cara-delevingne-talks-battle-with-depression-shes-waged-since-age-15-2015-10/
Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:48:24 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=444322Cara Delevingne appears to have a picture-perfect life. During an interview last week, the super model said things aren't always as they seem. "In our culture we are told that if we are beautiful, if we are skinny, if we ... Read More

]]>Cara Delevingne appears to have a picture-perfect life. During an interview last week, the super model said things aren't always as they seem.

"In our culture we are told that if we are beautiful, if we are skinny, if we are successful, famous, if we fit in, if everyone loves us, that we'll be happy. But that's not entirely true," she explained.

Cara Delevingne went on to say she has suffered from depression since she was just 15 years old.

"I really wanted to do well at school to please my parents, to please my family," she said. "I didn’t really care that much about school because I knew I was never going to be very good at it. I think I pushed myself so far, I got to the point where I had a bit of a mental breakdown."

At one point Delevingne even contemplated suicide.

"I got to the point where I was a bit mad. I was completely suicidal, didn’t want to live anymore," she said. "I thought that I was completely alone. I also realized how lucky I was and what a wonderful family, wonderful friends I had, but that didn’t matter. I wanted the world to swallow me up, and nothing seemed better to me than death.”

Cara Delevingne admits she has suffered bouts of depression since becoming a super model, too.

"I eventually took a break, to the advice of Kate Moss who picked me up off the floor at a very stressful time," she said.

“It was like, I would write and I would read what I’d written, and it was like someone else is talking to me…it was like, ‘What? Is that how I feel?’ It was a very strange experience,” the Paper Towns actress explained.

These days Delevingne feels good, but she wants other young women to know there's no shame in seeking treatment for depression.

"My message has always been to accept yourself no matter what, to love yourself, to embrace your flaws," she said. "I think flaws are things that make us special. The cracks within us are the beautiful parts that need to have light shed on them.”

Does it surprise you that someone with so much going for them--like Cara Delevingne--could suffer from depression? The illness doesn't discriminate, and can impact anyone--even those who seemingly have it all.

]]>Sarah Silverman Talks About Her Depressionhttp://www.webpronews.com/sarah-silverman-talks-about-her-depression-2015-10/
Wed, 14 Oct 2015 13:19:21 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=444118Sarah Silverman spoke candidly about her battle with depression in a piece for Glamour. She appears in a new film called I Smile Back, opening on October 23, in which she plays a role that apparently hit a little too ... Read More

]]>Sarah Silverman spoke candidly about her battle with depression in a piece for Glamour. She appears in a new film called I Smile Back, opening on October 23, in which she plays a role that apparently hit a little too close to home.

Silverman told Glamour:

Five years ago I got a phone call out of the blue. A writer named Amy Koppelman had heard me talking about my experience with depression on The Howard Stern Show, and she wanted me to be in the movie based on her book, I Smile Back. The story was about a suburban mother and housewife, Laney Brooks, who on paper has it all, but in reality suffers from depression and self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. I said, "Cool, yeah, sure." It never occurred to me that the movie would actually get made. For that to happen, it would have to have a star attached to it, right?

Three years later I got an email saying, "It's happening, we got the funding!" I replied-all: "Yay!" And then I collapsed on the floor of my bathroom, shaking. What had I done? I knew playing Laney Brooks would take me back to a very dark place.

The actress/comedienne revealed that she has been battling depression since the age of 13 and that at the time she was "sadly, a bet wetter". She opened up about a school camping trip she had gone on, for which she had to pack diapers in her sleeping bag". She described this as a "gigantic and shaemful secret to carry".

Throughout the piece, she discusses her continued struggles with depression into adulthood, including while she was working for Saturday Night Live. She gets into the pills she was taking to cope as well as her sadness about the possibility she may never have kids.

It's a heartfelt story that could probably benefit others who suffer from depression as well as those trying to understand it better. It's certainly a reminder that the successful and famous are just as prone to it as anyone.

According to stats from the World Health Organization, 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. That's roughly one out of every twenty people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 16 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2012.

]]>Zelda Williams Honors Late Dad Robin Williams in Post About Sadnesshttp://www.webpronews.com/zelda-williams-honors-late-dad-robin-williams-in-post-about-sadness-2015-09/
Mon, 07 Sep 2015 22:02:14 +0000http://ren.webpronews.com/?p=440391Zelda Williams took to Instagram this weekend to share her thoughts on living with grief and sadness. In doing so, she honored her late father, Robin Williams, who took his own life just over a year ago. In her message, ... Read More

]]>Zelda Williams took to Instagram this weekend to share her thoughts on living with grief and sadness. In doing so, she honored her late father, Robin Williams, who took his own life just over a year ago.

In her message, Zelda Williams wrote of how she has started to rebound from her sadness and how hard life has been since her father's suicide.

“Avoiding fear, sadness or anger is not the same thing as being happy,” Zelda Williams wrote. “I live my sadness every day, but I don’t resent it anymore.”

“Instead, I do it now so that the wonderful moments of joy I do find are not in order to forget, but to inhabit and enjoy for their own sake,” she added.

Zelda Williams' words served to caption a photograph of a rising sun, flanked by mountains escaping the darkness.

]]>Bobbi Kristina Brown Cousin Jerod Brown Shares Love With Houston Family, Looking for Invite to Funeral?http://www.webpronews.com/bobbi-kristina-brown-cousin-jerod-brown-shares-love-with-houston-family-looking-for-invite-to-funeral-2015-07/
http://www.webpronews.com/bobbi-kristina-brown-cousin-jerod-brown-shares-love-with-houston-family-looking-for-invite-to-funeral-2015-07/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 19:40:43 +0000http://ren.webpronews.com/?p=436333Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away on Sunday at the age of 22. Ever since the only child of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown was found facedown in her bathtub on January 31, the entire tragedy has been surrounded by insanity. ... Read More

]]>Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away on Sunday at the age of 22. Ever since the only child of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown was found facedown in her bathtub on January 31, the entire tragedy has been surrounded by insanity. Some of that insanity came in the form of Bobby Brown's family members.

On Thursday one of those family members once again used the Bobbi Kristina tragedy to gain himself a bit of media attention--and it clearly worked. Do you suppose he was also gunning for something else--like an invitation to Bobbi Kristina's funeral on Saturday?

Bobbi Kristina's grandmother Cissy Houston and her dad Bobby Brown have reportedly been arguing over who can and cannot attend Bobbi Kristina's invitation-only funeral. Cissy Houston presented Bobby Brown with a list of his family members she doesn't want at Bobbi Kristina's funeral.

Jerod Brown took to Facebook on Thursday to share his love with the Houston family.

"I, personally want to take the time to say thank you to all who sent a prayer up and participated in the ‪#‎PrayForBK‬ Campaign for our loved one Bobbi Kristina. Though this is the end of her journey here on Earth, I can only hope for many it has been the beginning of a better relationship with the man upstairs. To my family, let us all continue to embrace one another & see to it that uncle Bobby knows he has a beautiful family to lean on in this time of dispair (sic). To the Houston family, we love you guys and we all will get through this one day at a time. Thanks Again to you all!"

It's not likely that Jerod Brown wants the Houston family to feel his love. It's far more likely he wants to show his face to the members of the media who will be camped out outside the St. James United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, where the funeral will take place.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/bobbi-kristina-brown-cousin-jerod-brown-shares-love-with-houston-family-looking-for-invite-to-funeral-2015-07/feed/2Depression, Suicide at Core of Mariel Hemingway's Young-Adult Bookhttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-suicide-at-core-of-mariel-hemingways-young-adult-book-2015-04/
Sat, 11 Apr 2015 16:48:23 +0000http://ren.webpronews.com/?p=423455Mariel Hemingway is the granddaughter of famous novelist Ernest Hemingway. While Ernest Hemingway is known for his wonderful writing, he is also known for how he left this world: he put a double-barreled shotgun to his own head. In fact, ... Read More

]]>Mariel Hemingway is the granddaughter of famous novelist Ernest Hemingway. While Ernest Hemingway is known for his wonderful writing, he is also known for how he left this world: he put a double-barreled shotgun to his own head.

In fact, Mariel Hemingway has seen troubled lives throughout her family. Her own sister, Margaux, also took her own life. Mental illness, depression and other factors have colored the Hemingway legacy for generations.

Now Mariel Hemingway is talking about it. She has penned two books on the subjects of depression, mental illness, and suicide. One is a young-adult version called Invisible Girl.

Her publisher says:

Born just a few months after her grandfather, Ernest Hemingway, shot himself, it was Mariel’s mission as a girl to escape the desperate cycles of severe mental health issues that had plagued generations of her family. Surrounded by a family tortured by alcoholism (both parents), depression (her sister Margaux), suicide (her grandfather and four other members of her family), schizophrenia (her sister Muffet), and cancer (mother), it was all the young Mariel could do to keep her head... Young readers who are sharing a similar painful childhood will see their lives and questions reflected on the pages of her diary—and they may even be inspired to start their own diary to channel their pain. Her voice will speak directly to teens across the world and tell them there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Mariel Hemingway says that she feels a unique opportunity to talk about these issues of depression and suicide.

“I am a Hemingway, and to me, that means that I have a ticket to understanding a world of darkness, of courage, of sadness, of excitement, and — at times — of complete lunacy. And yet, other people with other names feel these things too. It may just be that they don’t have an American myth to which they can connect themselves.”

When asked why she did a young-adult version of this book about depression and suicide, Mariel Hemingway said:

"Because that's (the age) when I was the most scared. Also when I was the most confused. A lot of kids don't know that there's somebody out there that gets it. You don't know it's not normal. I thought that when parents fought and there was broken glass and blood on the wall, that you cleaned it up because this was your job."

]]>Depression: The Number 1 Thing to Improve That Gray, Seasonal, Utter Sh-t Feelinghttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-the-number-1-thing-to-improve-that-gray-seasonal-utter-sh-t-feeling-2015-01/
http://www.webpronews.com/depression-the-number-1-thing-to-improve-that-gray-seasonal-utter-sh-t-feeling-2015-01/#commentsTue, 13 Jan 2015 14:18:02 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=413341It's January. For some people, January and February are the months they want to just go hibernate with the bears. They're not sure if what they have clinically qualifies as "depression," per se. But you can't tell them they don't ... Read More

]]>It's January. For some people, January and February are the months they want to just go hibernate with the bears. They're not sure if what they have clinically qualifies as "depression," per se. But you can't tell them they don't feel blue, and they know it's because of the gray.

As with any psychological or emotional issue, see a professional and get yourself a real diagnosis. We don't provide medical or counseling advice here. There are lots of physiological reasons why your mood may be taking a downturn -- some as simple as that Christmas weight gain, others as serious as thyroid cancer. Navin R. Johnson had it right: "See a doctor and get rid of it."

Aside from the physiological, seeing a head doc and getting a diagnosis on whether you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder or some other issue that can be helped is worth a shot. But while you're waiting through that open enrollment rush of appointments, there's no harm in giving these suggestions a try, and they all come down to one thing:

Light

When it comes to treating and managing the winter blahs, the number one balm with a bullet is light. I won't go into Vitamin D production and any other possible reasons why this works. Go hit Wikipedia if you want to dig deeper. Just know that many people out there with the winter duhs claim that making sure they get enough full light makes a world of difference.

When on your quest for "light," you will primarily be looking for sunlight. It may be hard to come by, sure. Catch it whenever it is there. Open your curtains and blinds. Go for a drive. If you happen to catch a day that isn't too cold to stand in, actually go out in the stuff. At least go stand by a window, turn your chair to face the window, or even move your whole desk.

Close your eyes, face upward, and just soak in it. If you stare at a screen all day in your work, take this opportunity to look out at a distant horizon and scan around. It'll do your eyes some good, too.

But ain't it the whole point that the sun just isn't around enough in the winter to keep us firing on all cylinders? Sure enough. So that means we have to turn our attention to our artificial light. It may be well worth it for you to get your hands on a SAD light -- a lightbox that produces full-spectrum light. Models that can be quite affordable have come available in recent years.

There are even headset or visor lights you can wear that bump your light exposure on the go. One model attaches to an existing cap, so you don't look like you're wandering around with virtual reality goggles on.

But maybe you just need to turn your attention to the bulbs you already have in the sockets at home or on your desk. Those cheap 60-watt incandescents you grabbed at Walmart back in the summer -- if they're not already burned out -- were okay for the sun-filled months when your house was filled with glorious rays. Now that the sun isn't doing its job, you're starting to get what you paid for out of those bulbs: diddly.

Go get yourself some "bright white" bulbs. I'm not going to wade into the debate about CFL versus LED versus incandescent here. Nor is this the place to outline the difference between watts and lumens in determining what to buy. The best thing to do is hop over to Amazon and look at some reviews. There are people over there who apparently walk through their homes and the homes of others with light meters, taking notes and shaking their heads. These people can tell you what to buy.

Replace bulbs in a few key places in your home, at first. Bulbs aren't cheap like they used to be. Some bulbs should not be used with dimmers, so watch for that. But if you get the right bulbs, they can last far longer than you might expect, lower your cost, and still be way brighter than what you have. You may be shocked at the difference you feel from just replacing a few lightbulbs, especially near your work area.

Another place to pay attention to lighting is your bedroom. You may reason that you prefer a softer, "natural" light in your chambers. It's not the evening mood that you need to watch out for. It's the morning wakeup. Getting going in the morning arcs the rest of your day. Don't wander around in a funk in that critical first half hour. Get at least one lamp in your room with a bright white bulb in it.

There are other suggestions out there. You can find them on the Google machine. Some people swear by supplements, and they will debate and suggest what you should take. Some say a better diet is key, and who can argue with that? Try it all. But the most common element that gets the most people the most benefit is improving your light.

I was shocked at the difference bright white bulbs made. Go find some that work for you. And get out in what little sun you may find.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/depression-the-number-1-thing-to-improve-that-gray-seasonal-utter-sh-t-feeling-2015-01/feed/1Katy Perry Reveals the Depths of Her Depression, Her Song to Help Othershttp://www.webpronews.com/katy-perry-reveals-the-depths-of-her-depression-her-song-to-help-others-2014-11/
http://www.webpronews.com/katy-perry-reveals-the-depths-of-her-depression-her-song-to-help-others-2014-11/#commentsWed, 12 Nov 2014 20:43:03 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=403550Katy Perry’s life could’ve taken a very different arc. The pop sensation was aimed differently by her parents. She jokes about it now. “I released a gospel record when I was 15 because I grew up in a household where ... Read More

]]>Katy Perry’s life could’ve taken a very different arc. The pop sensation was aimed differently by her parents. She jokes about it now.

“I released a gospel record when I was 15 because I grew up in a household where all I ever did was listen to gospel music,” Perry once said on Australian TV. "I swear I wanted to be like the Amy Grant of music but it didn't work out, and so I sold my soul to the devil."

That statement is a bit of hyperbole. Perry has also said that she prays all the time, just not the same way some people do. It’s more about a spirituality than a religious practice.

"I don't believe in a heaven or a hell or an old man sitting on a throne, she told Marie Claire last year. "I believe in a higher power bigger than me because that keeps me accountable. Accountability is rare to find, especially with people like myself, because nobody wants to tell you something you don't want to hear. I actually don't trust people who start to turn on me because they get scared of telling me the truth. I'm not Buddhist, I'm not Hindu, I'm not Christian, but I still feel like I have a deep connection with God. I pray all the time—for self-control, for humility. There's a lot of gratitude in it. Just saying 'thank you' sometimes is better than asking for things."

Recently, Perry was asked about the songs on her 2013 hit record Prism, and she specifically highlighted one that swings into this territory for her. It is called “By the Grace of God.”

McManus pried deeper about the song. It was written after her divorce from Russell Brand. Perry was quite down at the time.

“Sometimes you can be blinded by your extreme emotions,” she said. "I definitely was looking for answers during that time I wrote that song. And, yeah, I was depressed, and it was sad, and there were thoughts, but there were never actions, thankfully."

Perry reasoned that she was not the only person to go through this kind of pain. And she knows that it can be tough to talk to someone else when you find yourself is such a dark place.

“I wanted to share that side of my story,” she said of revealing that much of herself in the song, "because I know there are so many other people out there that have gone through things like that, and you always feel like you’re the only one going through that. You walk out the door, and you see someone you know, and they ask you how you are, and you just have to say you’re fine when you’re not really fine, but you just can’t get into it, because they would never understand. Well, then comes along a song that speaks to you, that makes you feel like ‘Gosh, I can get through this if she can get through this, I can get through this.’”

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/katy-perry-reveals-the-depths-of-her-depression-her-song-to-help-others-2014-11/feed/1Robin Williams Toxicology Report: No Drugs or Alcoholhttp://www.webpronews.com/robin-williams-toxicology-report-no-drugs-or-alcohol-2014-11/
http://www.webpronews.com/robin-williams-toxicology-report-no-drugs-or-alcohol-2014-11/#commentsSat, 08 Nov 2014 02:47:39 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=402308Robin Williams hanged himself with a belt in his own bedroom on August 11 of this year. The actor had been battling depression after learning that he was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. According to investigators, closed bottle ... Read More

]]>Robin Williams hanged himself with a belt in his own bedroom on August 11 of this year. The actor had been battling depression after learning that he was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.

According to investigators, closed bottle of Seroquel, a drug to treat bipolar disorders and depression, was found in his room. Williams had been prescribed the medication a week before he died.

Williams cause of death was determined to be asphyxia. There were superficial cuts on his wrists, and a pocket knife was found nearby. His personal assistant had grown concerned when he hadn’t awakened that morning and went to check on him. Williams had been dead for hours.

Now a toxicology report has been released that affirms that there were indeed no illegal drugs nor alcohol found in Williams’ system at the time of his death. The only substances were pharmaceuticals in “therapeutic concentrations,” which indicates only the dosage he was prescribed.

Williams had struggled with alcoholism and drug dependency in the past. Some had expressed concern that he may have succumbed to these in the end. But the report indicates a man who took his medicine properly, but looked into a bleak future and saw no further.

Williams’ wife Susan Schneider said he had seemed excited when she saw him the night before. The web history of his iPad showed that he had made an online search for discussions of medications including Lyrica and propranolol.

President Barack Obama said of Williams that he “made us laugh. He made us cry."

"He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets."

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/robin-williams-toxicology-report-no-drugs-or-alcohol-2014-11/feed/1Wayne Brady Opens Up About Struggles With Depressionhttp://www.webpronews.com/wayne-brady-opens-up-about-struggles-with-depression-2014-11/
Wed, 05 Nov 2014 22:29:31 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=401779Wayne Brady may seem like a happy go lucky guy, but he recently admitted that he struggles with depression. He recently told Entertainment Tonight that he has struggled with the illness for years but was afraid to come forward with ... Read More

]]>Wayne Brady may seem like a happy go lucky guy, but he recently admitted that he struggles with depression. He recently told Entertainment Tonight that he has struggled with the illness for years but was afraid to come forward with his struggles because he feels pressured to be happy and funny all of the time.

"Having a bad day is one thing, having a bad week is another, having a bad life ... You don't want to move, you can't move in the darkness," he added. "You're like, 'I am just going to sit right here and I want to wallow in this. As much as it hurts, I am going to sit right here because this is what I deserve. This is what I deserve, so I am going to sit here because I am that horrible of a person.'"

He went on to explain how depression works and feels and said that it was like a vicious cycle that he just couldn't break.

"It starts this cycle where you tell yourself these lies ... and those lies become true to you," he says. "So, you stick to your own truth you've set up. 'If I am this bad, then why should any of this matter?' I feel at that point, you end up wanting to stop the pain."

He also shared the point that he knew he had to make a change and what he considers the breaking point in his life.

"I was there by myself, in my bedroom and I had a complete breakdown ... Just go ahead and imagine for yourself a brother in his underwear, in his room, you got snot ... and that birthday was the beginning of, 'OK, I've got to make a change.'"

He said that he had a lot of help from his friends and family and especially from his ex-wife. He said that now that he is being treated for the disorder, he feels better and knows that he is a better friend and father to his 11-year-old daughter.

He also offered some advice to other people who are suffering from depression and don't know what to do about it.

"It took me a while to get my stuff together to go, 'You know what? If you're not happy, you have to do something about it,'" he said. "Just to admit that you are feeling this way is a huge step. To claim that, to say, 'Why do I feel dark? Why do I feel unhappy? Let me do something about this.'"

]]>Gene Simmons Gets Called Out by Ace Frehley Over Depression Commentshttp://www.webpronews.com/gene-simmons-gets-called-out-by-ace-frehley-over-depression-comments-2014-08/
http://www.webpronews.com/gene-simmons-gets-called-out-by-ace-frehley-over-depression-comments-2014-08/#commentsThu, 28 Aug 2014 01:56:38 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=385165Ace Frehley freely speaks his mind, especially when he’s telling other people when to shut up. In a recent interview with Billboard Magazine, Frehley had a ball talking about his new album, Space Invader. But when asked about some of ... Read More

]]>Ace Frehley freely speaks his mind, especially when he’s telling other people when to shut up.

In a recent interview with Billboard Magazine, Frehley had a ball talking about his new album, Space Invader. But when asked about some of Gene Simmons’ and Paul Stanley’s recent business ventures, he chimed right in.

"I don't want to be part owner of an [arena] football team. [Laughs] That's Paul and Gene's newest venture. The first thing that came to my mind [when I heard that] was, 'Hey, what about the music? Why don't you stay focused on the music?' It just seems like they're spreading themselves a little thin. Maybe you should focus on your records a little more and they'd be better. And you can quote that.”

Ace has long complained about how Gene Simmons was a focused business person, including wearing three-piece suits to band meetings. And Frehley says he feels free to say what he wants about Gene and has no fear for their relationship.

"Oh, I'm not worried about what I say about Gene. Me and Gene have been mudslinging back and forth to each other for years. The press makes it out like we hate each other, [but] I could go over to any of their houses and hang out. I try not to get involved with all the rhetoric, but sometimes I can’t hold back."

Frehley then brought up some of the statements recently made by Simmons, that he has caught flack for in the press and from the public.

"Gene has the balls to go on the Internet the other day and say, 'Look, if you're a depressed person, kill yourself.' I don't think Robin Williams' family is too happy about his statements, you know? He used to say to me in the ’70s every time I did something stupid, like I crashed a car or I got loaded when I shouldn't, he'd say, 'Ace, you're shootin' yourself in the foot.' Well, you can print, 'Hey Gene, you're shootin' yourself in the foot a lot lately.' "

Gene Simmons has apologized for his ill-advised comments about depression-sufferers.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/gene-simmons-gets-called-out-by-ace-frehley-over-depression-comments-2014-08/feed/3Gene Simmons Apologizes For Depression Remarkshttp://www.webpronews.com/gene-simmons-apologizes-for-depression-remarks-2014-08/
http://www.webpronews.com/gene-simmons-apologizes-for-depression-remarks-2014-08/#commentsTue, 26 Aug 2014 04:18:36 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=384675Gene Simmons doesn’t seem like the kind of person who cares if he offends someone with his comments. He did however, recently issue an apology for some comments he made about depression and suicide during an interview. Simmons was asked ... Read More

]]>Gene Simmons doesn’t seem like the kind of person who cares if he offends someone with his comments. He did however, recently issue an apology for some comments he made about depression and suicide during an interview.

Simmons was asked if he is still friends with his former bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.

"No, I don't get along with anybody who's a drug addict and has a dark cloud over their head and sees themselves as a victim. Drug addicts and alcoholics are always: 'The world is a harsh place.' My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. I don't want to hear f*** all about 'the world as a harsh place.' She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life. And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, 'I'm depressed, I live in Seattle.' F*** you, then kill yourself."

"I never understand, because I always call them on their bluff. I'm the guy who says 'Jump!' when there's a guy on top of a building who says, 'That's it, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to jump.' Are you kidding? Why are you announcing it? Shut the f*** up, have some dignity and jump! You've got the crowd," he continued.

His comments were not taken lightly and many people criticized him for his cruel words and lack of sensitivity.

Some radio stations even refused to play KISS music as a response to Simmons’s comments.

"Depression is very serious and very sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones. I have not commented on various allegations made in the media, but I want to make this statement for the record and to clarify. I deeply support and am empathetic to anyone suffering from any disease, especially depression. I have never sugarcoated my feelings regarding drug use and alcoholics. Somewhere along the line, my intentions in speaking very directly and perhaps politically-incorrectly about drug use and alcoholics have been misconstrued as vile commentary on depression."

"Unkind statements about depression was certainly never my intention. And I do not intend to defend myself here and now by listing the myriad charities and self-help organizations I am involved with. This is not about me. This is about clearing up misconceptions and being clear. My heart goes out to anyone suffering from depression," he added.

While Simmons’s apology may be sincere, many people are still upset and he has reportedly deactivated his Twitter account as a result of the backlash he received from his followers.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/gene-simmons-apologizes-for-depression-remarks-2014-08/feed/11Robin Williams's Wife Shares Secret Diagnosishttp://www.webpronews.com/robin-williamss-wife-shares-secret-diagnosis-2014-08/
Wed, 20 Aug 2014 04:51:54 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=383300When it was revealed that Robin Williams had taken his own life, many people were shocked and reacted with disbelief. Williams was known for his amazing ability to make people laugh and most people had a hard time understanding how ... Read More

]]>When it was revealed that Robin Williams had taken his own life, many people were shocked and reacted with disbelief. Williams was known for his amazing ability to make people laugh and most people had a hard time understanding how someone so funny could be so unhappy.

Williams had been suffering from severe anxiety and depression. While he shared his struggles with these diseases, he was also suffering from another disease that few people knew about.

Williams never got a chance to tell the world about his declining health, but his wife recently came forward with information that she said she hoped would help motivate others to get help for their own health problems.

She also wanted the world to know that although Williams had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, he was sober when he took his own life.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression [and] anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly," Schneider said.

Michael J. Fox was "stunned" to learn that Robin Williams suffered from early stages of Parkinson's Diagnosis: http://t.co/FatF0J9Tag

"It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid," she said.

Williams was last seen alive at his suburban San Francisco home about 10 p.m. last Sunday, according to the Marin County coroner's office.

The Sheriff's Department received an emergency call from Williams's home Monday morning after he was found nonresponsive.

Although William's death is tragic, his family and friends are hoping that it will shed some light on depression and substance abuse.

His life has been celebrated by his fans, friends and family members and thousands of people have shared stories of how Williams was able to make them laugh or cheer them up during low points in their lives.

]]>Depression Symptoms: Should You Get Help?http://www.webpronews.com/depression-symptoms-should-you-get-help-2014-08/
Mon, 18 Aug 2014 05:40:06 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=382412The death of Robin Williams has made more people aware of the dangers of depression. While most people think the only symptom of depression is severe sadness, there are really several more. Depression can be dangerous if left untreated and ... Read More

Depression can be dangerous if left untreated and those who do seek help are often able to manage their depression symptoms so they can live normal lives.

If you think you or someone you care about could be battling depression, watch for these symptoms.

Feelings
Most people associate depression with the feeling of being sad. While it is normal to feel sad sometimes, if you find that you are sad for long periods of time or sad for no reason, you may want to seek help. You should also watch for feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, guilt and anxiousness.

Mood Swings
Mood swings are a sign of depression that often get overlooked. If you lash out at friends and family members for no reason, go from being happy to being sad quickly or vice versa, you may want to talk to your doctor. You may also notice that you are quick to anger.

Appetite Changes
Some people who are suffering from depression report a loss in appetite. Others feel like their appetite has increased and even admit that they eat to get rid of the sadness or emptiness they feel. If you have a drastic or long-term appetite change talk to you doctor.

Loss Of Energy
One of the most common symptoms of depression is a loss of energy, feelings of fatigue or a general lack of interest in daily activities. Some people who suffer from depression do not want to get out of bed and can sleep all day and night. Your doctor will be able to tell you if your loss of energy is related to depression or another ailment.

Depression should not be taken lightly and should be treated by a professional. Your doctor can write you a prescription for medication that may help or help you find therapy and other methods of managing your depression symptoms.

]]>According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, depression is a mood state that “goes beyond temporarily feeling sad or blue. It is a serious medical illness that affects one’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, mood and physical health.”

Depression affects 5-8 percent of adults in any given year, for a total of about 25 million Americans, though only half that experience a depressive episode will seek out treatment.

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States and the average age of onset is 32 years old. A little more than three percent of those aged 13-18 have experienced a serious, debilitating major depressive episode as well. All age groups and all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups can experience depression.

Treatments for depression include antidepressants, such as Prozac or Effexor; psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychoanalysis; and brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other methods of stimulating the brain.

For the loved ones of someone who is depressed, the most important thing according to the National Institute of Mental Health is to “help your friend or relative get a diagnosis and treatment.” Additionally, the organization adds, “Encourage your loved one to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after 6 to 8 weeks.”

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/depression-symptoms-treatments-and-self-tests-2014-08/feed/7Mental Health Coaching Affects Depression And Diabeteshttp://www.webpronews.com/mental-health-coaching-affects-depression-and-diabetes-2014-08/
Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:06:36 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=380367In a pilot study presented at the American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Meeting & Exhibition yesterday, researchers showed that mental health coaching has not only the capacity to reduce depressive symptoms in patients but to help lower the concentration ... Read More

]]>In a pilot study presented at the American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Meeting & Exhibition yesterday, researchers showed that mental health coaching has not only the capacity to reduce depressive symptoms in patients but to help lower the concentration of glucose in the blood for those diagnosed with depression and diabetes.

According to the article, which was republished on Science Daily, many people diagnosed with diabetes also suffer from depression, which oftentimes saps a patient’s ability to maintain a high level of self-care. Self-care includes activities such as monitoring of symptoms, staying active, eating healthily, and taking medication, four areas crucial for managing diabetes.

Diabetes educators developed a program to provide mental health coaching for those who suffered from depression and diabetes. The program took place in a rural portion of North Carolina, where the rate of diabetes (nearly 16 percent) was higher than the national rate (10 percent) and depression afflicted 30 percent of the population.

In the study, 182 patients with Type 2 diabetes received mental health coaching for an average of three visits. The mental health coach gave the patients a questionnaire that rated them on their anxiety and depression levels, and then helped the patients find tools to best address the stressors and challenges in their lives. The mental health coach then reassessed the anxiety and depression levels of the patients at the end of the period.

After three months, patient scores for anxiety and depression decreased on average 49 percent. Furthermore, A1C, which measures glucose in the blood, decreased from 8.8 percent to 7.7 percent. All patients also received diabetes education to help them learn how to manage their disease and be as healthy as possible.

“The program was to be piloted for a two year period but has been so powerful, we have continued it,” said Melissa Herman, RD, certified diabetes educator and program director of the Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center of FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, N.C. “While healthy coping is an essential part of diabetes education, mental health coaching takes it to another level for people who struggle with depression. Those who had mental health coaching said it was life-changing, life-saving and helped them feel better and happier than they had in a long time.”

]]>Depression A Risk Factor For Dementia: New Studyhttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-a-risk-factor-for-dementia-new-study-2014-08/
Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:24:13 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=379489A new study published in the scientific journal Neurology on July 30 showed that depression is a risk factor for dementia. The results indicate that treating depression in older patients may stave off some of the symptoms of dementia related ... Read More

]]>A new study published in the scientific journal Neurology on July 30 showed that depression is a risk factor for dementia. The results indicate that treating depression in older patients may stave off some of the symptoms of dementia related to thinking and memory skills.

“This is a risk factor we should take seriously,” said lead author Robert Wilson, senior neuropsychologist at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center at Rush University. “Treating depression can reduce the risk of dementia in older people.”

The study followed 1,764 people with an average age of 77, who had no thinking or memory problems at the start of the study. Over a period of nearly eight years, researchers screened study participants for symptoms of depression, while also testing their thinking and memory skills.

During the study, about half the participants developed mild problems with thinking and memory skills, which often act as a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. 18 percent or 315 study participants developed dementia.

The researchers found that high levels of depression prior to a diagnosis of dementia are linked to a more drastic decrease in thinking and memory skill later on. Overall, depression accounted for a 4.4 percent of the difference in mental decline that could not be attributed to dementia-related damage found in the brain.

However, onset of dementia did not seem to be associated with an increase in depression. In fact, the opposite seemed true.

“We found that people who are developing dementia did not become more depressed as they developed dementia, they actually became less depressed,” Wilson said.

“As people lose their thinking and memory skills, it becomes harder to become depressed and stay depressed. Depression depends on a certain continuity of experience that becomes disrupted as you develop dementia. It's left to the rest of us to feel depressed as we watch our loved ones slip into dementia.

“We must try to identify structures and functions in the brain that are linked to depression in old age and could help explain depression's link to dementia. That gives us a better chance of knowing how we should best treat depression in a way that will move the bar and reduce risk of dementia.”
Image via Wikimedia Commons

]]>Julia Roberts' Half-Sister Leaves Suicide Note; Nasty Family Details Revealedhttp://www.webpronews.com/julia-roberts-half-sister-leaves-suicide-note-nasty-family-details-revealed-2014-07/
http://www.webpronews.com/julia-roberts-half-sister-leaves-suicide-note-nasty-family-details-revealed-2014-07/#commentsThu, 24 Jul 2014 12:27:00 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=376400A few months before Julia Roberts’ half-sister Nancy Motes committed suicide, Roberts urged their mother to change her last name, Motes. An insider close to the family said, “Julia wanted it so her mom could distance herself from not only ... Read More

]]>A few months before Julia Roberts’ half-sister Nancy Motes committed suicide, Roberts urged their mother to change her last name, Motes. An insider close to the family said, “Julia wanted it so her mom could distance herself from not only her abusive ex-hubby Michael Motes, but also the memory of Nancy herself.”

Roberts’ mother filed for a change of name in December, and the request was granted in April this year – Motes committed suicide in February. She was found in the bathtub of her home in Los Angeles, and her death was ruled a suicide. Authorities said that she took prescription and non-prescription drugs before climbing into the bathtub.

Motes’ suicide note was later revealed. She blamed her family for her depression. “My mother and so-called ‘siblings’ get nothing except the memory that they are the ones that drove me into the deepest depression I’ve ever been in,” Motes wrote.

Motes also said in her hand-written suicide note that she has suffered from depression all her life, but “it has never been this bad.”

Her lifeless body was found by her fiancé John Dilbeck, who she called her “one true love.” They were supposed to marry in May. “I know this will effect (sic) you the most & I can’t apologize enough. I was truly blessed & lucky to have you as my true love and best friend. I will carry you with me forever,” Motes wrote.

Roberts and Motes had a rocky relationship. Just a few days before her suicide, Motes took to Twitter to say nasty things about her Oscar-winning sister. One of the tweets read, “Just so you all know ‘America’s Sweetheart’ is a BI***!!” Motes also tweeted about her family, saying, “My own family has abandoned me.”

Did Nancy Motes commit suicide to ruin her sister's chance at winning an Oscar?

In an interview last year, Motes also said that Roberts heavily teased her about her weight. Dilbeck told The Daily Mail in March, “Julia tormented Nancy about her weight and called her a fat failure. Nancy spiraled into a pit of depression and took her own life.”

“If Nancy had known that Julia was insisting her mom change her name, it would have broken her heart,” the insider said.

Julia Roberts is accused of fat-shaming her half-sister

Motes now rests at the New Smyrna Cemetery in Georgia. On her gravestone, the words “I love you more” are written. The insider explains the inscription and said, “’I love you more’ is what Nancy told her mom at the end of a conversation. Betty Lou would say ‘I love you,’ and Nancy would reply, ‘I love you more, momma.’”

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/julia-roberts-half-sister-leaves-suicide-note-nasty-family-details-revealed-2014-07/feed/26Depression Signs Could be Treated With Alzheimer's Drughttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-signs-could-be-treated-with-alzheimers-drug-2014-06/
Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:55:50 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=366125Millions of Americans with depression function perfectly well using common treatments, but there are those whose disease shows resistance to most drugs. Researchers this week announced some hope for those people in new research that could eventually lead to a ... Read More

]]>Millions of Americans with depression function perfectly well using common treatments, but there are those whose disease shows resistance to most drugs. Researchers this week announced some hope for those people in new research that could eventually lead to a treatment for treatment-resistant depression - and that hope is coming from an unlikely place.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center this week announced new research into a drug that could form the basis of a new rapid-acting antidepressant. The drug, memantine, acts on the brain's NMDA receptors - those known to play a role in treating depression. The researchers believe that their findings could eventually lead to a treatment that blocks NMDA receptors and better controls depression with fewer side effects. Memantine is currently approved by the FDA for use in treating Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine is chemically similar to ketamine, a drug best known for its recreational uses. Ketamine is known to produce a fast-acting antidepressant effect in patients. However, ketamine's other effects and recreational use make it unsuitable for the treatment of depression. Memantine reacts with the same brain receptors as ketamine, though researchers have found that it doesn't produce the same antidepressant effect. The UT researchers are hoping that their studies will lead to a fast-acting antidepressant that doesn't have the side effects of ketamine.

"Although, both ketamine and memantine have similar actions when nerve cells are active, under resting conditions, memantine is less effective in blocking nerve cell communication compared to ketamine," said Lisa Monteggia, one of the researchers and a professor of Neuroscience at UT. "This fundamental difference in their action could explain why memantine has not been effective as a rapid antidepressant."

Monteggia and her colleagues are currently examining the molecular basis of how nerve cells communicate, to determine why ketamine and memantine produce different effects. The team is also researching antidepressant efficacy, and what bodily systems contribute to different drugs' effects.

]]>Director Malik Bendjelloul Dies At Age 36http://www.webpronews.com/director-malik-bendjelloul-dies-at-age-36-2014-05/
Wed, 14 May 2014 14:33:19 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=358336On Wednesday, fans and colleagues of director Malik Bendjelloul, known widely for his acclaimed documentary Searching for Sugar Man, were shocked to find out that he had taken his own life. Malik's older brother Johar Bendjelloul revealed to Swedish daily ... Read More

]]>On Wednesday, fans and colleagues of director Malik Bendjelloul, known widely for his acclaimed documentary Searching for Sugar Man, were shocked to find out that he had taken his own life.

Malik's older brother Johar Bendjelloul revealed to Swedish daily Aftonbladet that his little brother took his life Tuesday night after suffering from a short bout of depression.

"Life is not always simple," Johar said, and added that hearing of his brother's death was the worst thing that could have ever happened. "I don't know how to handle it. I don't know," he said.

In 2013, Malik rose to fame when he won an Oscar for Searching for Sugar Man. The documentary is about Sixto Rodriguez, a singer and songwriter from Detroit, who becomes a superstar in South Africa after failing in the United States.

Simon Chinn, the British producer that worked on the film, said that he is devastated about the news of his friends tragic death, and revealed that he had just discussed future collaborations with him a couple weeks ago.

"It seems so unbelievable," Chinn said, during a telephone interview. "I saw him two weeks ago in London. He was so full of life, hope and optimism and happiness, and looking forward to the future and future collaborations. We were talking about working together and talking about specific ideas, so the idea that he is no longer is just too hard to process."

]]>Depression: Are You Suffering From it?http://www.webpronews.com/are-you-suffering-from-it-2014-04/
Wed, 16 Apr 2014 03:36:34 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=348686Depression is a common mental disorder that affects millions of people but can be treated. The treatment varies depending on each patient’s needs, but this cannot be done if the depression goes undiagnosed. The symptoms and types of depression can ... Read More

]]>Depression is a common mental disorder that affects millions of people but can be treated. The treatment varies depending on each patient’s needs, but this cannot be done if the depression goes undiagnosed. The symptoms and types of depression can vary from one person to another, and can be serious.

It is estimated that there are 121 million people in the world who are currently suffering from some type of depression, and 36 percent of them are Americans. However, 80 percent of depressed people are not being treated. If you (or someone you know) is experiencing symptoms of a major depression disorder such as those listed below, it is best to seek professional help from a physician. Recognizing depression and getting help is the first step to feeling better.

Top 9 Symptoms of Depression You Should Look Out For

Uncontrollable emotions. Those with major depression can suffer feelings of unhappiness, emptiness, or great sadness one moment, and then become angry, irritable, and frustrated at the next, usually over small matters. Depression can cause mood swings, but should not be confused with bipolar disorder.

Changes in appetite. Appetite and weight changes fluctuate differently for people with major depression. Some people have a reduced appetite resulting in weight loss, while others have increased cravings for food resulting in weight gain.

Agitation and anxiety. Depression disorder can be seen in people who worry excessively, cannot sit still, pace continuously, and display anxiety such as hand-wringing.

Feelings of guilt, helplessness, or low self-worth. Depressed people have a tendency to blame themselves for past failures and even for things that are not their responsibility.

Trouble focusing. Depression can make decision making difficult. Thinking, concentrating, and even remembering things also becomes more challenging.

Sleep disturbances and insomnia. People with depression disorder may sleep too much, have trouble going back to sleep once awakened, or may not be able to sleep at all.

Lack of energy and extreme fatigue. Some people experience having little or no energy to even do small tasks, and feel like they are always tired. This can also show in slowed body movements, thinking, or speaking.

Loss of interest in activities. In conjunction with the overwhelming feeling of lethargy, those with depression disorder can also lose interest in the things they used to enjoy, such as sports, hobbies, and other activities. A decreased sex drive can also be another symptom.

Suicidal thoughts, and attempts to take one’s own life. This is the most serious symptom and can often results in death. These feelings and uncontrollable emotions often lead people to end their own lives, thinking that it would be a permanent solution to their problems.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 34,000 people commit suicide in the U.S. each year, and 90 percent of those have a psychiatric disorder that could have been diagnosed and treated. Depression gets worse if left untreated, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

]]>Socializing And Exercising Can Fight Depressionhttp://www.webpronews.com/socializing-and-exercising-can-fight-depression-2014-03/
Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:28:21 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=338355If you suffer from depression, you may be desperate for help. While counseling and medication can help, many people still find that they have bouts of depression or depression symptoms. Recent studies show that the best way to fight depression ... Read More

]]>If you suffer from depression, you may be desperate for help. While counseling and medication can help, many people still find that they have bouts of depression or depression symptoms. Recent studies show that the best way to fight depression is with exercise and social interaction.

One study was conducted on two groups of people. One group contained 52 people who had been diagnosed with depression. The group participated in activities such as sewing, yoga, sports, and art together. The second group contained 92 people who were also diagnosed with depression. This group joined a clinical psychotherapy group.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect social identification has on depression. The people who were able to identify with other people in the group had 50% less symptoms and bouts of depression than those who could not identify with the group. The study suggests that people who are more social and are able to identify with others are much more likely to overcome depression than those who are not social.

A separate study shows that exercise has a similar effect on depression and that people who exercise regularly are more likely to overcome depression as well.

Many doctors are suggesting that patients try exercising before they start taking depression medication. While exercise is not a practical option for some people, most are able to do it and can benefit from it in more ways than one.

“The issue is that exercise seems as straightforward and simple as apple pie and your mom,” Dr. Trivedi said. “Everybody knows what it is, so it's misunderstood. It’s important to explain to patients the seriousness of the disease they have and the nuances of the intervention they need.”

Doctors admit that exercise will not work on everyone or on all types of depression and that many people will still need medication to overcome depression completely.

]]>Depression Treatment with Nasal Sprayhttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-treatment-with-nasal-spray-2014-03/
Wed, 26 Mar 2014 02:33:24 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=338304New research from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reveals a nasal spray that could soon be considered a new treatment for those suffering from depression. The protein peptide, first developed in 2010 by molecular neuroscientist Fang Liu, ... Read More

]]>New research from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reveals a nasal spray that could soon be considered a new treatment for those suffering from depression.

The protein peptide, first developed in 2010 by molecular neuroscientist Fang Liu, Ph.D, proved to be just as effective in relieving symptoms as a conventional antidepressent when tested on animals; however, the peptide needs to be injected into the brain to work, thus the nasal spray.

Dr. Liu and her team received a Proof of Principle grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) which enabled them to explore different delivery methods. That is when the nasal spray idea surfaced.

The nasal system, developed by Impel NeuroPharm, was shown to deliver the peptide to the correct area of the brain, interfering with the binding of two dopamine receptors which lead to depression. The higher the binding, the greater the depression.

“This study marks the first time a peptide treatment has been delivered through nasal passageways to treat depression,” said Dr. Liu.

17.5 million Americans suffer from depression, 9.2 million of them from clinical depression, with women being at the top of the risk list. Sadly, two-thirds of those suffering do not seek the necessary treatment. But for those who do, over 50 percent do not respond to first line medication treatments.

Rangaswamy Thara, a psychiatrist and director of the Schizophrenia Research Foundation, recently spoke of a shift in society where suicide and depression have become part of the social conversation.

"Maybe," she said, "it has to do with increased awareness of mental illness — better psychiatric outreach, or more people writing advice columns in the local papers. But maybe people are just more frustrated."

This problem isn't just centered on Americans. Mental illness has increased worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that by 2020 depression will be the second most prevalent medical condition in the world.

Dr. Liu and her team are continuing their experiments to determine if they can make her developed peptide break down more slowly and travel more quickly in the brain.

“This research," she said, "brings us one step closer to clinical trials."

]]>Depression Symptoms Alleviated By Social Groupshttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-symptoms-alleviated-by-social-groups-2014-03/
http://www.webpronews.com/depression-symptoms-alleviated-by-social-groups-2014-03/#commentsWed, 26 Mar 2014 00:05:17 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=338231Researchers have found in a new study that social identification can reduce symptoms of depression in clinical and community settings. Depression, a debilitating mental illness, is characterized by feelings of lethargy, hopelessness, and worthlessness, among other symptoms. It strikes at ... Read More

]]>Researchers have found in a new study that social identification can reduce symptoms of depression in clinical and community settings.

Depression, a debilitating mental illness, is characterized by feelings of lethargy, hopelessness, and worthlessness, among other symptoms. It strikes at many different ages and in people of all different sorts of backgrounds and is a leading cause of disability, according to WebMD.

But in a study called “Feeling connected again: Interventions that increase social identification reduce depression symptoms in community and clinical settings,” researchers found that increasing the social identification of depressed patients through social interaction can lead to a reduction in depression symptoms.

For the study, researchers created what is called a “longitudinal intervention” method, where patients were exposed to social interaction over a course of time throughout the study.

In the first study, 52 adults diagnosed with depression joined a community recreation group, where activities included sewing, yoga, sports, and art. In the second study, 92 adults diagnosed with depression joined a clinical psychotherapy group.

The purpose of the study was to analyze social identification, which researchers admitted was a psychological and difficult to understand topics. They measured it through surveys, by asking participants in the study whether they identified with the group or not.

In both studies, according to Science Daily, patients who did not identify strongly with the groups had a 50 percent chance of continued depression symptoms. But those who identified strongly with the groups and used first person pronouns such as “we” and “us” rather than third person pronouns such as “them” to describe the other group members, less than a third of those participants met the diagnostic criteria for depression when the studies were finished.

In both studies, social identification led to a recovery from depression when holding for factors such as attendance, severity of depression, and group type. In Study Two, the benefits of social interaction were larger for depression symptoms rather than anxiety symptoms or quality of life.

The conclusion of the study is that facilitating social participation would be a cost-effective and generally effective way to treat depression.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/depression-symptoms-alleviated-by-social-groups-2014-03/feed/3Depression Linked to Obesity in Teen Girlshttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-linked-to-obesity-in-teen-girls-2014-03/
http://www.webpronews.com/depression-linked-to-obesity-in-teen-girls-2014-03/#commentsTue, 25 Mar 2014 19:53:11 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=338078The idea that obesity is more closely linked to mental health than physical addictions has long been a pop psychology canard. Now new research is shedding new light on how depression in particular may be strongly linked with obesity. A ... Read More

]]>The idea that obesity is more closely linked to mental health than physical addictions has long been a pop psychology canard. Now new research is shedding new light on how depression in particular may be strongly linked with obesity.

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that this could be even more the case for teenage girls. The new research has found that young women who experience depression are at a higher risk for obesity as they age. The same, but opposite, is true for obese teen girls, who were found to be more at risk for depression.

"Adolescence is a key developmental period for both obesity and depression, so we thought it significant to look at the onset of these disorders at an early age," said Naomi Marmorstein, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of psychology at Rutgers University-Camden. "When a person is young, she is still developing eating and activity patterns, as well as coping mechanisms. So if she experiences a depressive episode at age 14, she may be more at risk for having an onset of unhealthy patterns that persist."

Marmorstein and her colleagues looked at a sample of more than 1,500 teens in Minnesota taken over ten years. The data shows that young women who encounter depression in their early adolescence are more at risk to become obese by the end of their teens. It also shows that women who are obese by the end of their teens are more at risk for depression during early adulthood.

The study also looked at adolescent boys, but did not find the same links between obesity and depression.

The study does not establish why young women in particular face such health concerns, but Marmorstein and her co-author did speculate a bit as to what the causes might be. She suggests that the teasing that is all too common among teenagers might contribute to depression in obese girls. And since the issues seem to go hand-in-hand, Marmorstein suggests that medical professionals consider treating both depression and obesity together.

"When an adolescent girl receives treatment for depression, the clinician might consider incorporating something relating to healthy eating and activity," said Marmorstein. "Exercise can assist in the treatment of depression to begin with, so it seems like a good reason to combine prevention efforts for both depression and obesity."

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/depression-linked-to-obesity-in-teen-girls-2014-03/feed/1Depression Can Be Diagnosed By Waiting Room Testhttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-can-be-diagnosed-by-waiting-room-test-2014-03/
http://www.webpronews.com/depression-can-be-diagnosed-by-waiting-room-test-2014-03/#commentsTue, 04 Mar 2014 12:37:22 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=327656According to a new study in General Hospital Psychiatry, people can be easily screened for anxiety and depression while they are waiting for care in the hospital. Researchers at King's College London University created a questionnaire that was given to ... Read More

]]>According to a new study in General Hospital Psychiatry, people can be easily screened for anxiety and depression while they are waiting for care in the hospital.

Researchers at King's College London University created a questionnaire that was given to patients at three London hospitals, using a touchscreen tablet. They targeted specialty services that included: rheumatology, limb reconstruction, hepatitis C, psoriasis, congenital heart disease, and chronic pain. The questions were composed of general physical health, depression, and behavioral health. Once the questionnaire was complete, the results were immediately sent to the patients' health care provider for further discussion.

"The system is extremely effective at providing clinicians with real-time information about their patients," Faith Matcham, a doctoral student at King's College, said. "It makes effective use of waiting room time, and provides useful, usable information in a format which is easy for non-mental health professionals to interpret and act upon."

The study was created to help determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety when a patient has a certain health problem. The results showed that 6.6 percent of patients with congenital heart disease, and 60.9 percent of patients with chronic pain, suffered from depression. "It really highlighted to us that no two services could be handled in the same way; each is seeing a different type of patient, with different needs, in very different environments," Matcham explained.

Philip R. Muskin, M.D., professor at Columbia University Medical Center and chair of the American Psychiatric Association's scientific program committee explains that the study was successful because the patients were willing to do it. "It engages the people who are most important, the patient and doctor, with an instrument that can tell them that something is going on."

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/depression-can-be-diagnosed-by-waiting-room-test-2014-03/feed/4Depression A Serious Issue For College Studentshttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-a-serious-issue-for-college-students-2014-03/
Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:25:23 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=327644Attending college can be tough and scary for those new to the experience of being away from home. There's the heavy burden of making sure you complete all your work for classes and pass exams. Most difficult of all can ... Read More

]]>Attending college can be tough and scary for those new to the experience of being away from home.

There's the heavy burden of making sure you complete all your work for classes and pass exams. Most difficult of all can be the responsibility of feeding and clothing yourself much of the time.

Trying to juggle responsibilities as a newly minted college student becomes that much more difficult for those struggling with depression.

There is a great deal of social stigma when it comes to admitting to the disease, leading these persons to suffer in silence. Unfortunately, symptoms of depression can make it seem like a student is lazy, disinterested, or simply a poor student. In actuality nothing could be further from the truth.

UI assistant professor of psychiatry Dr. Michelle Weckmann told IowaWatch that she estimates that as many as 40% of the students she sees suffer from depression.

The average high school & college student experiences a 70% decrease in stress, anxiety and depression during summer vacation.

Weckmann said that depression is very much a biological disease; one that can be triggered by work, school, or sports among other sources of stress.

As upsetting as the reality of depression in college is, Weckmann shared that there are certain factors that can greatly improve one's resilience in the face of the illness.

First and foremost, it's very important to have a support system. Keep in touch with your parents, siblings, and/or friends. Join a local church or a club. Whatever you do, ensure that you have others to reach out to in order to prevent feelings of isolation.

Another factor that can improve depression symptoms is regular exercise and a healthy diet.. College students are notorious for their unhealthy eating, hence the "freshman fifteen" they tend to pack on. Deviating from that can help your body and mind.

Volunteer work is another option. Taking time to do for others and make a positive difference often is a huge boost to one's self-esteem.

Lastly, strongly consider getting therapy and treatment. There's no reason to be ashamed or scared: Depression is a very common ailment. The longer you leave your symptoms untreated, the more you longer you will be suffering unnecessarily through a difficult college experience.

]]>Cortisol Linked to Depression, Especially in Young Menhttp://www.webpronews.com/cortisol-linked-to-depression-especially-in-young-men-2014-02/
Tue, 18 Feb 2014 17:42:18 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=321723Researchers today announced that the first biomarker for clinical depression has been identified. A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has linked cortisol and depressive symptoms to clinical depression. This biomarker is especially strong ... Read More

]]>Researchers today announced that the first biomarker for clinical depression has been identified. A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has linked cortisol and depressive symptoms to clinical depression. This biomarker is especially strong in indicating whether young men may develop clinical depression.

Cortisol is a hormone sometimes known as the 'stress hormone.' The study's authors hope that the identification of a biomarker for depression could help medical professionals better assess the risk of clinical depression in patients, allowing for earlier intervention.

The study looked at saliva samples from over 1,800 teenagers, surveying these same teens about any current symptoms of depression. The teens were then separated into four groups based on their cortisol levels (normal or high) and their level of depression symptoms (low or high). Researchers found that the teens who had high cortisol levels in addition to high depression symptoms were a full seven times more likely to develop clinical depression that those who had both normal cortisol levels and low depression symptoms.

In addition to this the researchers found a significant split among genders in the study. Males with high cortisol and depressive symptoms were 14 times as likely to develop clinical depression than those with low cortisol and depressive symptoms. Girls with high cortisol and depressive symptoms were only four times as likely to develop clinical depression than those with low cortisol and depressive symptoms.

"This new biomarker suggests that we may be able to offer a more personalized approach to tackling boys at risk for depression," said Matthew Owens, lead author of the study and a researcher at the University of Cambridge. "This could be a much needed way of reducing the number of people suffering from depression, and in particular stemming a risk at a time when there has been an increasing rate of suicide amongst teenage boys and young men."

]]>Depression: Valentine Envy Vs. Lack Of Self-Lovehttp://www.webpronews.com/depression-valentines-envy-vs-lack-of-love-2014-02/
Fri, 14 Feb 2014 22:47:00 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=320327Are you feeling blue on the day of red candy hearts? It’s alright. We’re all a bit blue – mostly because it’s freezing and our toes lost circulation around the same time we lost our sight of our cars underneath ... Read More

It’s alright. We’re all a bit blue – mostly because it’s freezing and our toes lost circulation around the same time we lost our sight of our cars underneath the snow. What’s that? You live somewhere sunny and beautiful and you don’t know what “snow” is? Well, congratulations! You’ve just found one silver lining for yourself that wasn’t at the forefront of your consciousness a moment ago.

That’s a good start for thinking outside of the chocolate candied box.

Single or not, most of us don't want to be miserable. It’s just really hard to change our thoughts, and the solution is sometimes so simple that we don’t believe it can serve us. I too have days where I want to wallow in isolation and spread verbal venom. The trick that usually helps is to try and sort out the source of our icky inclinations. Then, we can alter our perceptions and reclaim our true sense of what “love” means.

We often turn "love" into a reductive fantasy reality can't match.

“As children, we learn that you need to find your prince charming to 'live happily ever after,'” says University of Toronto researcher Stephanie Spielmann. She adds, “and as adults, there are many negative images of those who don't have a relationship, such as the 'crazy cat lady' or the 'spinster'."

Preach, sister.

Admittedly, our culture is responsible for some stellar stuff - like smartphones and these amazing shoes you can’t see me wearing. However, many of us had TV as a part time babysitter, dinner host, and background noise growing up. So, is it any wonder we morphed into an army of maladaptive daydreamers who held every real-world (no, not the MTV show) interaction to some Platonic ideal we saw played out repeatedly on a screen?

Seriously, though: how boring would love be if it were always like movie montages?

It’d be predictable and cyclical and we’d miss out on all the spontaneity. Did you ever grow from a relationship that was all smiles, hair blowing in a convertible, hand-holding, and no hurt feelings? No way! The contrast of the ups and downs is what makes our dynamics real and exciting.

Also, why is it that when we hear “love”, we often equate it to romance?

"Perhaps if we widened what the holiday meant, it might be different," Sandra Faulkner, a relationship researcher at Bowling Green State University in Ohio says. She went on to add, “Who’s against love? We could probably all use more love.”

This Lennon logic actually isn’t a bad outlook for singles and couples alike.

When we make just one person too exclusively special, everything around us becomes boring in comparison – especially when they’re not around. God forbid they fall from the pedestal on which we put them; our lives suddenly change from a Katy Perry soundtrack to Nirvana with nihilistic Facebook overshares. Sound familiar? It might sound strange, so bear with me, but love in its true sense can actually be found in far more of our interactions.

It could mean we hang out with loved ones (versus issuing empty ILY’s via text). It could mean killing two birds with one stone while connecting in nature (not literally, but by doing anything from skiing to just walking the dog).

It could also be through service (whether it’s offering to help an old lady to her car or donating time at a homeless shelter). Also, we can release our demons through writing, vlogging, blogging - any general cognitive de-fogging. Sometimes the world looks a lot less hostile after we put a label on the stuff we'd rather not share.

See? It’s so simple that it’s annoying.

It’s also annoying because we have to make an effort. The steps to self-love are so daunting we may not want to do them at all. But relationships are even harder because there’s a whole separate human being whose feelings we have to consider. That’s hard to do if we’re distracted by the misery we don’t acknowledge and blame on “anger” - a far more ego-sensitive ascription than “fear”.

Thus, the best solution is to work on being cool solo (yes, that includes observing happy people without grumbling invectives) before we start trolling match.com for unsuspecting victims of all the baggage we haven’t yet claimed from the curmudgeon carousel.

So, the next time you see a couple cozied up like Lady and the Tramp and cocooned in saccharine passion for each other, try not to take it personally. They aren’t some chimeric monster sent from below to extract your happiness and replace it with coruscating resentment.

They’re just two people.

They make mistakes, likely annoy each other daily, and their morning halitosis isn’t any more aromatic than yours. They themselves may have even envied other relationships the way you're envying theirs. What makes a couple successful, though, is acceptance. Each accepts themselves enough to like the person on the other side of that noodle – for who they are. No one has any ethereal-level happiness through a relationship to which you don’t already have access yourself.

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So, take a good look in the mirror like Buffalo Bill in the TV version of Silence of the Lambs, consider your strengths and weaknesses, and ask yourself: “Would you love me?” Your reply should always be an affirmative: “I’d love me.”

When it is, you’re totally ready for a long-term Valentine...unless, of course, you’re wrapped in a human hide when you say it.